Should I take the ACT with essay?

I plan on taking the ACT later this year or early next year and I’m unsure whether or not I should take the essay. I am aware that most schools no longer require the writing but will it look poorly if I don’t take it? My concern is they’ll see I didn’t do the essay and will assume I am a bad writer and have something to hide. Furthermore, my English grade this year doesn’t not look like it will be great. My teacher is a very harsh grader, is super confusing, and the type of writing(literary analysis) does not suit my strength which is argumentative and factual writing. I am also fairly confident I will be able to get a 10+ on the essay if that’s relevant.

If the colleges you apply to don’t require the essay then it won’t look poorly. They will have your college app essays and HS english grades to assess your writing. Don’t overthink this.

Some schools have in past years only superscored if you take with essay, and also in past years some scholarships have wanted ACT with essay.

@“Erin’s Dad” The only problem is my English grades aren’t great since my teacher is a harsh grader and the type of writing does not suit my strengths.

It is good that you are confident to get 10+ that is a good feeling for your effort.